How to Make French Toast: Classic, Healthy, Gluten-Free, Gourmet, International, Vegan, and Kid-Friendly Recipes

Introduction

French toast is a classic breakfast dish enjoyed around the world. This dish is known for its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness. In this article, we will explore how to make French toast in various ways, including classic, healthy, gluten-free, gourmet, international, vegan, and kid-friendly recipes. Whether you are a traditionalist or an adventurous cook, there is a French toast recipe for you.

Classic French Toast Recipe

The classic French toast requires only a handful of ingredients: bread, eggs, milk, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Here’s how to make it:

1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar in a shallow bowl.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time.
4. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Serve hot with powdered sugar, syrup, or your favorite toppings.

For best results, use thick slices of bread, such as sourdough or brioche, and avoid over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture.

Healthy Twist on French Toast

If you want to make a healthier version of French toast, try using whole-grain bread, skim milk, coconut oil or butter substitutes, and natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup. Here’s a recipe:

1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, honey, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl.
2. Melt coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time.
4. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Serve hot with fresh fruit, yogurt, or your favorite toppings.

Whole-grain bread adds fiber to your meal, skim milk and coconut oil reduce the fat content, and honey provides a natural sweetener without the added sugars found in regular syrup.

Gluten-Free French Toast

For those who cannot tolerate gluten, there are a variety of alternative bread and flour options available. Here’s a recipe:

1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar in a shallow bowl.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time.
4. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Serve hot with gluten-free bread, almond butter, and sliced bananas.

Almond flour and potato starch are great options for those looking for gluten-free flours. When preparing this dish, be sure to use clean utensils and avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen to ensure the dish is truly gluten-free.

Gourmet French Toast

For those who want to elevate their French toast game, try incorporating gourmet ingredients such as brioche bread, mascarpone cheese, berries, and honey butter. Here’s a recipe:

1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar in a shallow bowl.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Dip the brioche bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time.
4. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Spread the mascarpone cheese and drizzle the honey butter onto the French toast.
6. Serve hot with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Brioche bread adds richness to the dish, while mascarpone cheese and honey butter provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Berries and whipped cream top off this gourmet breakfast treat.

International French Toast

French toast is not just found in France; many countries have their own variations of this dish. Here’s a recipe for a Spanish variation called “Torrijas”:

1. Heat the milk, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest, and sugar in a small pot until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Cut thick slices of bread and soak them in the milk mixture until they are soaked through.
4. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
5. Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture and fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are golden brown.
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and serve hot.

The Spanish variation of French toast, or “Torrijas,” is typically eaten around Easter time. The use of cinnamon and lemon zest gives this dish a sweet and tangy flavor that is unique to Spanish cuisine.

Vegan French Toast

For those looking for a vegan option, try using plant-based ingredients such as bananas, tofu, vegan butter, and plant-based milk. Here’s a recipe:

1. Mash the ripe bananas and mix with the plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Add the tofu and mix well until smooth.
3. Dip the bread slices in the mixture one at a time.
4. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Serve hot with fresh fruit, vegan whipped cream, or vegan syrup.

Bananas and tofu provide the body and creaminess to the vegan French toast, while plant-based milk and vegan butter make the dish moist and flavorful.

Kid-Friendly French Toast

Getting kids involved in the kitchen can be a fun way to teach them about healthy breakfast choices. Here’s a recipe that kids can make on their own:

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
2. Let kids choose their favorite bread and slice it into thick slices.
3. Let kids dip the bread slices in the egg mixture.
4. Help them cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Set out a variety of toppings, such as fruit, chocolate chips, honey, and whipped cream, and let kids choose their own toppings.

Kids will love being in charge of their breakfast choices, and you will love that they are learning about healthy breakfast options.

Conclusion

French toast is a breakfast classic, but it doesn’t have to be boring. In this article, we covered classic, healthy, gluten-free, gourmet, international, vegan, and kid-friendly recipes. With so many variations to choose from, you can enjoy French toast in countless ways. We encourage you to try one or more of these recipes and share your own favorite recipes or toppings. For more recipes and cooking tips, be sure to follow our blog or social media pages.